Detailed information
Species
Willemite, var. Troostite
Dimensions
51 x 39 x 25
mm
Locality
Tsumeb Mine Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region Namibia
Condition
No recorded repairs
The zinc silicate Willemite forms multiple parallel stalactites of earthy deep carmine red to brownish brick red overgrown by delicate micro-acicular crystals of colourless to silvery white Willemite of the variety Troostite. Troostite is a manganese-bearing variety of Willemite. The earthy textured stalactites are likely a mixture of Willemite and Goethite with the longest of the group measuring 5 cm. The rich coating of Troostite in the form of fine acicular crystals gives a play of colours in shades of silver, grey and white due to transmitted light and the underlying dark stalactites. An unusual and fascinating miniature from Tsumeb with a M. Zinn Collection label.